Returning from commercial the show resumes to the sound of “White Knuckles” by Alter Bridge playing over the PA system throughout a darkened arena. The lights of cellphones and cameras peak out from the darkness as the Son of Sin brings himself into sight on the entrance stage amid a chorus of dissent and vocal disdain from those in attendance. Dante Cross pays no heed to the volley of jeers and catcalls that assail him as he makes his descent down the entrance ramp and to the ring. The slight swagger in his walk a show of his egotistical nature. The threat of a smirk poised on his lips as he ascends the steel stairs and saunters through the ropes into the ring. A slow walk he does to the opposing corner, placing himself on the mat, his back against the ropes as he looks out from the ring to the entrance stage, his music fading.
“Sound of Madness” carries through the arena to announce the arrival of Diamond Jack Sabbath. It's only then that the weight of what is to unfold takes itself upon the crowd. Seldom seen in an Xtreme Wrestling Association ring, Sabbath's name holds more weight in it's counterpart, Xtreme Wrestling Alliance, where many a learned fan have seen the true nature of this caricature of anarchy. Sabbath stands at ringside and looks around at the trashcans filled with weapons of all sorts positioned around the ring before turning his sights on Cross. He enters the ring and paces in the center, his eyes on the Son of Sin all the while.
Cedar: To many wrestling fans out there this is a dream match, an interpromotional battle between two men who are known to do whatever it takes to achieve victory.
Cross takes hold of the middle ropes and pulls himself out from the corner and walks over to meet Sabbath in the center of the ring. The fans are on their feet in anticipation for the bloodbath that is sure to unfold here tonight.
DING! DING! DING!
The two men glare into the other's eyes unblinkingly. Cross beckons for a mic. With one in hand, Cross leans in close to address Sabbath, near cheek to cheek, as if whispering a secret.
Cross: Do you know what fear is Jack?
Sabbath didn't answer. He simply gave a sideways glance, not choosing to turn his head to him.
Cross: Fear is the ghost that haunts the dreams of the bad men. Fear of reprisal for all their past sins. Fear of loss. Fear of pain. Fear of death. I'm a bad man Jack, and I'm afraid. I lie awake at night, for fear of what awaits me in my dreams. I'm a nightmare of my own making, the shadow of my own demise. What I fear most is myself Jack, because I know just what I'm capable of.
Dante backed away and the two men stared into the other's eyes once more before DJS motioned for the mic and Cross handed it over.
DJS: Dante...I have a hard time figuring out what to make of you, and I'm sure you don't even know what to make of yourself. What I do know, is that you and I share a common goal.
Cross: And what is that?
It was Jack's turn now to lean in and whisper in Dante's ear.
DJS: Do you want to bleed, Dante Cross?
A devilish grin played across Dante's face.
Cross: I'm thirsty Jack. I want nothing more than the taste of blood in my mouth, and yours on my hands. We'll create a masterpiece in blood, the ring as our canvas.
DJS nodded his head in agreement.
DJS: We will. But not tonight.
With that, Sabbath backed away and exited the ring, turning his back on the match and the Son of Sin. The referee looked from Cross to the departing Sabbath and began to count. Still in the ring, Dante continued to glare at the back of Sabbath as he walked up the entrance ramp, the Son of Sin's face formed into a scowl as he flexed his fingers in tension.
DING! DING! DING!
The count done, the referee moved to raise Dante's hand, but Cross pulled away and exited the ring, obviously miffed at the situation of having been stirred up by Diamond Jack.
Subject: M6 | Dante Cross vs. Diamond Jack Sabbath 
